What Is Mamaki?

Mamaki is a shrub like plant with oval leaves and are light green on the top with three main veins which are bright red or purple depending on variety. Mamaki grows well with at least forty inches of rainfall per year and in altitude ranging from 100 ft to 4000 ft and in well drained soils (Gehring 1967).

Traditionally, mamaki tea was made by placing fresh leaves in a gourd with fresh spring water and red hot stones (Krauss 2001). The tea was originally used by Hawaiians to ease childbirth, alleviate listlessness and discharge blood (Chun 1994). Mamaki is also believed to help reduce cholesterol, regulate blood glucose levels and lower blood pressure (Chun 1994).